A beloved holiday tradition at WFS is our sixth grade pie bake for Wilmington's Sunday Breakfast Mission. Students lovingly peel, slice, prepare, box, and finally deliver more than 30 apple pies for those in our greater community.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
David Tennent, Clerk
Jennifer Brady, Vice Clerk
Robert W. Friz ‘86, Treasurer
Dorothy E. Rademaker, Secretary
Karen-Lee Brofee
William Chapman
Erin Brownlee Dell ‘89
Meg Gehret Erskine ‘83
Brian Fahey
Darryl Ford
Scott W. Gates ‘80
Richard D. Grier-Reynolds
Susan Janes-Johnson
Susan Kelley
Vinay Maheshwari
Jacqueline Greenidge Nix
Kelly Snyder O’Donnell ‘93
Debbie Pittenger
Dwayne Redd
Larry Van Meter
Home and School Association
Board Liaison:
Amanda Singleton Hay ’95
Alumni Association Board Liaison:
Raymond Osbun ‘71
ALUMNI BOARD
Andy McEnroe ‘04, Clerk
Wyatt Thompson ‘15, Vice Clerk
Stanita Clarke ‘06
Michael Dalton ‘05
Raven Harris Diacou ‘06
Emily David Hershman ‘09
Maddie Ireland ‘16
Matt Lang ‘08
Jonathan Layton ‘86
Christopher Lee ‘82
Adrienne Monley ‘02
Raymond Osbun ‘71
Margeaux Pantano ‘16
Richie Rockwell ‘02
Thomas Scott ‘70
Jim Simon ‘60
ADMINISTRATION
Head of School: Kenneth Aldridge
Assistant to the Head of School: Lauryn Satterfield
Director of Finance and Operations: ShaQuan Buffaloe
Assistant Head for Academics: Eddie Gallagher
Head of Lower School: Chris Loeffler ’00
Head of Middle School: Jonathan Huxtable
Head of Upper School: J.R. Neiswender
Director of Admissions and Financial Aid: Melissa Brown
Director of Communications and Strategic Marketing: Susan Morovati Finizio ’87
Director of Development: Chad O’Kane
Director of Equity, Justice, Community, and Engagement: Erica Childs
Professional photography by Elisa Komins Morris. Also thanks to Mary Woodward and the Yearbook Staff for photo contributions. Staff photographers are Laura Kirk Kurz ’97, Jake Myers, and Susan Morovati Finizio ‘87. Cover photo by Elisa Komins Morris.
Please send any comments or corrections to info@wilmingtonfriends.org.
Hello Friends!
With Ken on sabbatical, I’m sneaking in to kick off this issue of Quaker Matters.
I came to Friends as a student in the fall of 1980 for sixth grade. Though I can’t claim to have been the most mature or bubbly adolescent, I do have some clear memories of a program that allowed me to be creative, take risks, and stretch academically.
A typical day in middle school could include collecting and classifying insects for science class, scaling the library wall in Project Adventure, popping into the cafeteria at break to choose from a variety of Tastykakes, and analyzing Death Be Not Proud in English class.
In upper school, my friends and I designed a presentation for Collection on Martin Luther King Day, created the rapping cheerleading squad, and joined the national Great Peace March for global nuclear disarmament. I sang with the honors choir in Philadelphia, tried weightlifting in the winter, visited the Guggenheim and Greenwich Village on a field trip for Aesthetic Awareness class, and tackled Calculus.
Looking back, it’s clear that Friends shaped me in profound ways, and it’s a joy to see how today’s students are experiencing similar opportunities in their own unique ways.
As part of the Marketing and Communications team, my colleagues and I get to highlight this incredible program every day: the chatty, smart (and so cute) first graders jumping right into a shared activity with their Elder Buddies; Spanish 2 students debating one another through a gamified activity; a Friends senior developing a Southeastern Asia History curriculum for middle schoolers; and eighth grade students traveling to the East Side Charter Apex Program to engage in a workshop on public speaking and human rights law.
As an institution, Friends is also in the midst of growth and change. In October, we launched the Empowering Generations campaign to, in part, support the Lower School Renovation Project, with construction beginning this June. We’re also undergoing re-accreditation, ensuring that our standards remain as robust as ever.
In April, we’ll unveil a five-year strategic plan filled with exciting initiatives that build on our core values. Could there even be a Project Adventure 2.0 on the horizon? Stay tuned!
In Friendship,
Susan Morovati Finizio ’87 Director of Communications and Strategic Marketing
Thankyou Jon and
Eddie!
Thank you to Co-Interim Heads of School Jon Huxtable and Eddie Gallagher, who are leading the School until Head of School Ken Aldridge returns from sabbatical in April 2025.
Alumni News
Dear Friends,
In late October, we had the pleasure of welcoming faculty, staff, parents, and alumni back to campus for yet another amazing Homecoming weekend. It was truly heartwarming to see so many familiar faces return to WFS!
The weekend’s festivities began on Friday at the DuPont Country Club with a luncheon honoring the 50th+ reunion classes and 1748 Planned Giving Society members. Jon Pennock ’74 represented the 50th Reunion Class and shared insightful reflections on his time at WFS. Later that evening, we had the honor of recognizing the 2024 Alumnae Award recipients at the Alumni & Friends Reunion and Awards Reception. Stephanie Bonnes ’04 received the Young Alumna Award, Carol Bancroft Morley ’68 was honored with the Outstanding Service Award, and Leslie Davis Guccione ’65 was presented with the Distinguished Alumna Award. Each award recipient shared fond memories of their time at WFS and how the experience shaped their career paths.
Following the awards presentation, Ken Aldridge publicly launched Empowering Generations: A Strategic Vision for Wilmington Friends School. This exciting new campaign focuses on five important initiatives: financial accessibility, QUEST, faculty support, innovation, and renovating the lower school campus. I invite you to join us in supporting the campaign as we work towards our ambitious $30 million goal. You can read more about Empowering Generations on pages 11-13.
Saturday’s celebration began as it always does – with the Smith McMillan 5K! The day continued with Meeting for Worship, athletic contests, and lunch in the Homecoming tent.
In closing, I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to all the alumni and WFS staff whose efforts helped make Homecoming and Reunion Weekend a success. It was truly a joy to reconnect with so many alumni, friends, and families who gathered on campus to share stories, support Quaker athletics, and strengthen the bonds of our Friends’ community for the next generation!
Thank you for all you do in support of WFS.
McEnroe ’04
Andy
Homecoming Friday
Homecoming kicked off at the DuPont Country Club with our Annual 50th+ Reunion and 1748 Planned Giving Society Luncheon. Alumni and friends had a wonderful time reconnecting with each other. The Class of 1974 celebrated their 50th reunion and Jon Pennock spoke on behalf of the class.
50th Reunion
Luncheon
ABOVE: Alumni Board member Tom Scott ’70 welcomes guests; Jon Pennock ’74 spoke on behalf of the 50th reunion class and reflected on their time at WFS.
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Judy Reed Smith ’64 and Mike Wise ’64; Melody Hammond and Trustee Darcy Rademaker; Head of School Ken Aldridge, Geoff Wilkinson ’74, and former Head of School and faculty member Bill Bickley; John Urice ’64 and Class Agent Leslie Kirkman Reed ‘64 reconnect with classmates.
The Class of 1974 kicked off their 50th reunion celebration at the luncheon.
Front row: Pev Hukill, Margo Hoff Pennock, Maggi O’Brien, Carol Mullin Holzman, Jan-Maloy Edwards, and Meg Adams Hunter. Back row: Tom Lundgaard, Erik Gunn, Jon Pennock, Rich Johnson, Geoff Wilkinson, Scott Reese, Jim McKusick, Mike Wilbur.
True Blue Alumni Reception
On Friday evening, we were thrilled to recognize the 2024 alumnae award recipients at our All Alumni and Friends reunion. Leslie Davis Guccione '65, Distinguished Alumna of the Year; Carol Bancroft Morley '68, Outstanding Service Recipient; and Stephanie Bonnes '04, Young Alumna of the Year, were all honored for exemplifying the values of WFS. The Upper School Jazz Band, led by Chris Verry, provided the entertainment. Andy McEnroe ’04 welcomed everyone on behalf of the Alumni Board and Head of School Ken Aldridge welcomed guests and spoke about each award recipient's accomplishments. Ken also kicked off the Empowering Generations Campaign (more information on page 11).
Outstanding Service Award, Carol Bancroft Morley ’68; Distinguished Alumna of the Year, Leslie Davis Guccione ’65; and Young Alumna of the Year, Stephanie Bonnes ’04. To read more about Carol, Leslie, and Stephanie, please visit wilmingtonfriends.org/ alumni/alumni-awards.
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP RIGHT: Clerk of the Alumni Board Andy McEnroe ’04 welcomed guests; Erin Aliquo Clevenger ’05 and Kyle Clevenger; Tim Bayard ‘62 and Lisa and Jim Simon ‘60; Head of School Ken Aldridge launched the Empowering Generations Campaign: A Strategic Vision for Wilmington Friends School.
Homecoming Saturday
The 28th Annual Smith McMillan Run/Walk was held on October 26, 2024. Over 160 racers, including Wilmington Friends School alumni, students, faculty, and staff, participated in the early morning race on a beautiful autumn day. Proceeds from the 5K, totaling over $7000, benefit the endowment named for Jonathan Bacon Smith ’83 and Wendy Smith McMillan ’77.
Smith McMillan 5K
Winners
Female Overall: Ellie Driscoll ’25
Male Overall: Ian McQuillan ’26
Top Female Alum: Sarah Singleton Turick ’95
Top Male Alum: Jeffrey Palmer ’04
Top Female Staff: Lauren Miller
Top Male Staff: Logan Goodwin
Female Age Group Winners
8 & Under: Nell Patterson ’34
9-10: Elle Romak ’34
11-12: Nura Katirai ’31
13-14: Emery Davis ’29
15-16: Olivia Agne ’27
17-19: Mia Davenport ’25
20-29: Megan Doherty
30-39: Natalie Eleuterio
40-49: Sarah Singleton Turick ’95
50-59: Maria Vergara-Shaikh ’89
60-69: Jan-Maloy Edwards ’74
70-79: Susan Hughes-Mackey
Male Age Group Winners
8 & Under: Leo Romak ’37
9-10: Taj Amobi ’32
11-12: Gilliam Simms ’31
13-14: Cooper Miller ’28
15-16: Dillon Lassman
17-19: Theo Lawrence ’26
20-29: Jacob Amo
30-39: Jeffrey Palmer ’04
40-49: Travis Whiteside
50-59: Bill Hardy ’86
60-69: Frank McKelvey
70-79: Tom Ellis ’71
80+: Terry Derk
SM5K Committee
A heartfelt thank you to our committee Co-Clerks, Katy Connolly and Amanda Singleton Hay ’95, and to the following committee members for their dedication and hard work:
Check out our SmugMug Site for many more photos of Homecoming 2024!
Password: Friends1748!
Class Reunions
row: David Ellis, Susan Agoos Herrmann, Beth Cavanaugh, Pam Perkins Young, Leslie Kirkman Reed, Judy Reed Smith. Back row: Phip Strange, Bill Morton, Steve Lawrence, Ira Kirch, Convers Wyeth, Corlet Jackson Weisel, John Urice, Marianne Johns Cook, Mike Wise, Geoff Holmes, Harriett Dann. (Missing but attended reunion: Dick Broad)
row: Nancy Kuniholm Aronhalt, Nina Porter Winfield, Nancy Magness, Teryl Stapleton Price, Kevin Dew. Back row: Andy (Rudy) Rudawski ‘80, Ellen Rudawski Stevens ‘78, Amy Magness Larnick, Tom Bucovacz, Basil Kollias, Rob Heaton, Cathy Kelleher Burgy.
Class of 1954
Anna Hubbard Bellenger, Charles Clark, and Faith Poole Greeley.
Class of 1959
Dick Wier and Liz Milliken.
Class of 1964
Front
Class of 1969
Jay Shoemaker, Phyllis Shomo Beidler, David Stoddard, Bruce Baganz, and Becky Bell Ley.
Class of 1979
Front
Front row: Jan-Maloy Edwards, Donna DeBoer Nacchia, Carolin Booth Murphy, Carol Mullin Holzman, Meg Adams Hunter. Middle row: Bill Goulding (Headmaster), John McMillan, Jon Pennock, Dix Lamborn, Rich Johnson, Eric Gunn, Margo Hoff Pennock, Judy Hauer Mendez, Dan Troyan, Tom Lundgaard, Alex Payne Sutherland, Mike Wilbur, Maggi O’Brien, Scott Reese. Back row: Jim Taylor, Peter Kelemen, Jim McKusick, Peverley Hukill, Scott Lauter, Geoff Wilkinson, Chris Sanger, John Reynolds.
50th Reunion | Class of 1974
Class of 1984
Front row: Dagmar Krewson Dunn, Kelly Hassard Sakellariou, Tracy Malonis Stephen, and John McDermott. Middle row: John Goodridge, Jay Bancroft, Mark Gregory ’83, Jeff Liebesman, Paul Schnee, Mike Connolly, Debbie Szanto, Susan Lester Busch, Kim Holton, Becky Knapp Adams, Nancy Knapp Piccione, Corky Jones, Alice Minor Anthony, Susie Tattersall Davis, Anne Harper, and Marshall Stafford. Back row: Dave McKenty, Seth Crichton, Javier Florez, Marcy Stong Burka, Tommy Coleman, and Steve Malone.
Class of 1989
Front row: Jen Johnson Vinton, Trelly Vergara-Shaikh, Kim Massih Dolan, Paul Burke, Lex Vergara. Back row: Joe Ayers, Rob Brand, BJ Vinton, Tom Dippel, Andy Houston, Jeannette Brunswick, Mike Hardy.
Class of 1994
Front row: Erin Hill Gilbert, Angie Capano Gray, Mimi Joshi, Meg McKelvie, Molly Mahoney Reese, Lindsay Rademaker Reinhold, Katie Taylor. Second row: Owen Grenfell, Brady Nemeth, Mike Lassman, Mark Gatenby, Carby Wise. Back row: Bill Marin, Dan Scheflein, Reed Hunt, Jamie Jenney, Jay Sagar, Nick Terrell.
Class of 1999
Tom Shipman, Kevin Loftus (spouse), Eliza Wolcott Loftus, Gabriel Humphreys '98 (spouse), Adrienne Neff, Avi Dadone, EJ Amobi, Kellen Amobi (spouse), Brian Martinenza (spouse), Katie Wolf Martinenza.
Class of 2004
Front Row: Stephanie Bonnes, Colleen Farrell, Barbara Butkus, Jeff Palmer, Anne Goodfriend. Back row: Mike Caddell, Jake Stargatt, Abby Hughes-Strange, Sarah Lester, Gordon Lippincott, Shawn Hollingsworth, Mat Levin, Andy McEnroe, Reggie Iacobucci, Adam WilloughbyKnox, Elyse Sahadevan. (Not pictured, John DeCarli)
Class of 2014
Jamie Martelli-Raben, Maria Rizzo, Elena Veale, Ellie McGinnis, Gil Connolly, Roth Johnson, Kevin Roux, Danielle Kuller, Jamie Harper, and Graham Haubert.
Class of 2019
Front row: Quentin McAbee, Alonia Needs, Laurent Lutz. Middle row: Connor Nisbet, Olivia Finizio, Anna Baldwin, Ruth Hazzard, Addie Trudel, Chase Fallon, Lucy Knudsen, Kevin Wolynetz, Sean Mann. Back row: Man Hefnawi, Peter Cauchy, Sully Connors, Michael McKenzie, Mason Tschantz, Toby Bulk, Joey Mullen, Kyle Opderbeck, Timmer Farley, Tristan Pantano, Josh Payne.
Campaign Update!
The $30 million Empowering Generations campaign supports several priorities for the School including renovations at Lower School, faculty support, financial accessibilty, innovation, and QUEST.
Student-centered classroom experiences focusing on problem-solving and innovation begin with our youngest students, and their academic journeys allow them to refine, strengthen, and expand upon concepts and skills in successive grades. Our goal is to broaden our interdisciplinary and cross-divisional initiatives to better prepare students for tackling real-world challenges and cultivate a spirit of R&D.
The Quaker Center for Understanding, Engagement, and Stewardship (QUEST) was established at Friends in 2009 to lift up the distinctive strengths of Quaker education, including cross-cultural understanding, environmental stewardship, diversity, and social justice.Using the QUEST service-learning framework, we will expand opportunities for students to engage in experiential learning and community impact.
Our goal is to make a complete Friends education more accessible to families from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds as we pursue a culture where every individual has the opportunity to reach their fullest potential, learning and growing alongside others with diverse perspectives in an inclusive and equitable community.
Investing in our faculty members, both personally and professionally, affirms their individual contributions to our community and acknowledges their vital role in preparing students with the skills, values, and habits of mind to shape a more just and sustainable world.
Turn the page to learn more about the lower school renovation plans!
To ensure that future students can continue to thrive in our lower school, the Board of Trustees has approved a series of comprehensive renovations creating a modern, inspiring space for 21st-century learning. These renovations will enhance the educational experience and provide key infrastructure updates needed for a safe and comfortable environment conducive to learning. More information on page 12.
We are incredibly grateful to our donors who have supported the campaign so far, and still have a way to go to reach our goal. To learn more about the campaign and to donate online, please visit wilmingtonfriends.org. If you would like to speak with someone about the various giving options available, please contact our Major Gifts Officer, Scott Nickle, at (302) 576-2985 or snickle@wilmingtonfriends.org.
Lower School Reimagined
A series of comprehensive renovations at the lower school will create a modern, inspiring space for 21st-century learning. These renovations will enhance the educational experience with the introduction of innovative playgrounds designed to foster physical activity, creativity, and social interaction. In addition, classrooms will benefit from new equipment, improved lighting, and an increase in natural light, offering faculty modern environments to enrich their teaching. A new, welcoming entrance will enhance safety and accessibility for students, families, staff, and visitors. Furthermore, key infrastructure updates, including a cutting-edge HVAC system, upgraded plumbing, and a modern roof, will provide a safe and comfortable environment conducive to learning. Look for an email invitation to an information session on March 13!
Main Entrance & Lobby
Scan the QR code to make a donation
Planned Renovations
Reimagined play spaces | Innovative playgrounds that promote physical activity, creativity, and social interaction.
Updated classrooms | New equipment, better lighting, and more natural light to improve the classroom experience.
New entrance and lobby | A new entranceway to provide a fresh and welcoming first impression while maintaining safety and accessibility for our community. The new lobby will provide more gathering space for the community.
Upgraded building infrastructure | State-ofthe-art HVAC system, upgraded plumbing systems, and a modernized roof, to ensure a safe and comfortable learning atmosphere. Our building will also be more energy efficient.
Project Timeline & Logistics
The roof replacement was completed in Summer 2024. The rest of the work will take place over a projected 10-month period, with work planned to begin this June and everything except the new entryway complete and students returning to classrooms in the main building in February 2026. The new entryway is projected to be complete in Spring 2026.
From September 2025 to February 2026, lower school classes will be housed in: -Meeting Room wing classrooms; -After-School Program classrooms; and -temporary classrooms installed on campus.
Education Outside the Classroom
The Friends School Senior Study Programs, 1964-66
By Terence Maguire, WFS Archivist
For perhaps as long as Friends School has been a college preparatory institution, once our seniors have been accepted to college, and they are looking forward to the greater independence of college life, it is difficult for them to stay engaged in school with the same vigor shown in the years or even months before.
In May, 1964, Friends’ Alumni Bulletin reported on a dramatically different approach to addressing that issue. The plans set forth, moreover, had a far more serious purpose than simply keeping the kids engaged. Rather, its main goal was to introduce them to the mounting and even grave issues besetting America at this time of turmoil.
And turmoil there was. For at least ten years the Civil Rights movement had challenged the ways in which Americans viewed each other and the class and racial hierarchies of centuries. Just eight months earlier, the great March on Washington had occurred, and Martin Luther King, Jr. gave his “I Have a Dream” speech to hundreds of thousands. Just five months earlier, John F. Kennedy had been assassinated.
The lead article of that May, 1964 Bulletin began with these words: Following the close of school in the spring of 1963, Friends School made a decision to act on a concern that had been developing throughout the year. There was a feeling that students, particularly in the independent schools, had a tendency to lose contact with the forces that were changing society and thus were not adequately aware of the world. This problem was coupled with the question, “Are we really preparing students for college, or for that matter for life as responsible citizens?”
A study and planning committee of faculty members was appointed and worked throughout the summer of 1963.... A steering committee was appointed to work out the details for a program to be conducted during the last three weeks of April in the spring of 1964.
For three successive springs, from April 1964 to April/May, 1966, the seniors of those years were exposed to and immersed in activities different from those of all earlier Friends School senior years. Friends School has, from that time, changed the ways in which it attempts to
prepare students to deal in meaningful and active ways with the world outside the safe and secluded Alapocas campus. This current article and the research leading to it sought answers to four questions:
• How did these programs get started, and who were the prime movers?
• How did the seniors involved react to the program at that time?
• What factors led to the discontinuation of the program?
• Did these Senior Studies experiences shape students’ thinking and influence their future lives?
I would like to express my gratitude to all those who responded and in particular to Leslie Kirkman Reed ’64, Leslie Davis Guccione and Jon Williams, both ’65, all of whom helped elicit responses from their classmates.
1964:“Change in the Sixties—Focus Wilmington”
Two members of the staff were most obviously the designers of the program: Principal Charles Hutton, in only his second year of leadership, and Social Science teacher Margaret Wise. Documents for these programs are copious and well-preserved. The volume of communications from Hutton and Wise, eliciting cooperation from dozens of organizations and companies in New Castle County, is quite impressive. These two truly believed in the importance of these undertakings.
This initial Senior Study Program set a pattern followed in subsequent years.
A week (April 13-20) of presentations/ lectures by authorities in various fields, with students taking notes and encouraged to ask questions. The keynote speaker was Dr. Arthur Shostak of the Wharton School of UPenn, who gave a broad outline of the “the various major changes at work in society.” On the following days speakers discussed ten topics including “The Search for Human Rights,” “Can Just Anybody Get a Job,” “The Impact of Technological Change.” Finally, there was a discussion called, “What Are You Going to Do with It?” a kind of challenge to students to make sense of all that week’s input.
The next week small groups of students reported to sites within the greater Wilmington area. Some were businesses: e.g., du Pont, Delaware Power and Light, and WDEL. Others had a broader outreach: Dept. of Public Welfare, Community
Services Council, Delaware Hospital, the George Gray School, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.
Some of the Class of ’64 recall where they spent that week, though none seemed sure whether they had chosen the site or had it assigned to them. Some spent time at several sites. Bob Cannon was at the Electric Hose and Fire Company and the local Bell Telephone. Janet Martin Yabroff recalls dressing in “office apparel,” and going with Jim Garvin to municipal offices in a Wilmington high-rise building, “to work with urban designers…Had a lot of fun.”
Dick Broad, interested in medicine, spent time in the Delaware Hospital. Susan Agoos Herrmann remembered tutoring at George Gray, but she “had been tutoring children from that school all year long at the Kingswood Community Center.”
After a week in the field, the seniors gathered together, and each person “was required to summarize and evaluate his field work.” What followed next was an experience new to these students of 1964: a take-home examination, for which the students could use all their notes and any other relevant material. This examination paper was graded, just as any exam would be.
What did these 18-year-olds think of this experience, at that time unique in the Friends School curriculum? The Alumni Bulletin article quoted several anonymously:
* “It gave me the freedom and responsibility of independent study.”
* “I had no idea I was so ignorant about Wilmington.”
* “I now know that education should not take place only in the classroom.”
Most of those who responded to the promptings admitted they just did not remember much from that time. It was, after all, sixty years ago.
In the spring of 1965, the Senior Study Program focused on the complex issue of “Economic Opportunity,” spurred on by the federal government’s “War of Poverty.” A year later seniors examined the broad questions regarding “Citizens and the Law.” Each of these programs differed from the previous year in approach as well as topic. Readers who wish to know more specifics of those programs, please scan the QR code for the entire article.
School News
1. Congratulations to Nife Shoyinka ‘25, Conner Verbanas ‘25, and Lulu Cochran ‘25, who received National Recognition from the College Board. The National Recognition program celebrates the academic achievements of students of rural area/small town, African American/Black, Hispanic/ Latino, Indigenous/Native American, and first-generation students.
2. Congratulations also to WFS seniors Logan Scott, Gabe Fletcher, and Gigi Facciolo, who were named Commended Students in the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program. Commended students are recognized for the exceptional academic promise demonstrated by their outstanding performance on the qualifying test.
3. WFS 9th through 11th graders participated in the upper school day of service, volunteering at Delaware organizations such as the New Castle County Hope Center and Friendship House Clothing Bank, among others. At the Hope Center, students met with WFS alums Matt Meyer ‘90 and Aundrea Almond ‘90, who shared the history of the organization and how their Friends education, in particular, taught them the importance of getting involved in the community and that we all have a role in making change for the better happen.
4. Every year, fifth grade students volunteer to help with early morning care at the lower school, ensuring a smooth start to each day! Students greet families at the circle, helping their younger friends with their backpacks and belongings; they help out with our Early Years students, walking them to their classrooms or playing with them on the playground; and they assist in the library, helping younger students find and check out books and assisting with other projects around the library. This valuable opportunity allows fifth graders to gain leadership skills while contributing to our community.
5. The After School Program is partnering with Delaware Nature Society and its Chicken Tender program to help raise two baby chickens. ASP students and parents voted to give them their formal names: Chickoletta and Oreo. The chickens will be on campus for a total of eight weeks and students will be involved in learning about care-taking and socializing with them. After their time in ASP, the chicks will be returned to Coverdale Farms, where they will become free-range, egglaying hens.
6. Preschoolers have been enjoying the Little Free Library at the lower school natural playground! The library was the 8th grade growth challenge for Avery Martinenza ‘25 and is filled with books about nature, as well as magnifying glasses and binoculars! The 8th Grade Growth Challenge consists of completing at least two experiences for growth over a period of time. Students are encouraged to choose challenges that improve their skills and provide opportunities for growth in areas that are new to them. This year’s 8th graders are preparing to embark on their own growth challenges!
7. The WFS middle school concluded its celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month with an educational and interactive performance by Los Bomberos de la Calle. The group uses its music and Puerto Rican heritage to tell the story of music and its role in connecting cultures, sharing histories, and uniting people. Throughout the month, middle school students participated in advisorybased activities, including a display in the MS/US Gallery of traditional Hispanic and Latin artifacts, hanging festive flags through the middle school hallways, and eighth graders participated in salsa dancing lessons!
Perspectives & Purpose
Students from the WFS middle school Youth in Government club traveled to Dover to participate in the State Junior Youth in Government Model Legislature. Before traveling to Dover, club members researched ideas for new laws that would benefit the state and wrote mock bills to introduce at the conference.
Once at the Model Legislature, WFS students presented their bills to the assembly and engaged in lively debate with representatives from clubs around the state. Students had the unique opportunity to sit in the actual State General Assembly Chambers as they participated in this simulation.
All WFS student bills passed the legislature and were signed by the Youth Governor, including a proposal to set a three-day wait period for a gun purchase, a request for the construction of three additional domestic violence centers to serve survivors in Delaware, and a proposal to cover braces and other orthodontic treatment for individuals below a certain income level. Participants were 8th graders Abby Haynes, Hannah Jackman, Ivy Jackson, Bennett Martinenza, and Beckett Rogalski.
Members of the Wilmington Friends Model UN Club attended the St. Andrews Model UN Conference and participated in various simulations. Elizabeth Pisano ‘25 and Brianna Fang ‘28 represented Austria on the Committee on the Status of Women, while Avery Krasulja ‘26 and Decker Reitemeyer ‘27 represented the Democratic Republic of Congo on the same committee.
Students spent the day creating solutions for access to education for women and girls in developing countries as well as combating poverty. Avery and Decker were recognized as Honorable Mention Delegates during the awards ceremony for their leadership and productive collaboration! Kate Coletti ‘28 represented the country of Germany on the Legal Committee that focused on critical issues of failed state governments and criminal jurisdiction of the ICC while Guillermo Romero Feito ‘26 played the role of Michael S. Ragan (EPA Administrator) and Matthew Fineman ‘26 played the role of Delaware Senator Tom Carper on a committee attempting to reach a bipartisan solution to the issue of forever chemicals (PFAS) in the United States.
All delegates researched and wrote persuasive position papers advocating for specific solutions to these problems and got valuable experience in public speaking, negotiating, and attempting to reach compromises.
The Upper School Quakerism and Thee class recently welcomed three guest speakers to deepen their understanding of prison reform and Quaker contributions to the movement. The class learned about the legacy of Elizabeth Fry, a Quaker whose efforts in the 1800s laid the foundation for the first prison reforms.
Since then, Quakers have been instrumental in bringing the Alternatives to Violence Program (AVP) to correctional facilities across the country. Tim Terranova, a parent of two WFS alumnae, shared insights from his work with AVP in Wilmington, providing a personal perspective on the program’s impact. The session concluded with a discussion led by Lieutenant Wells and Staff Lieutenant Gibson from the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution, who emphasized that the role of a correctional officer centers on helping those who need it most.
Upper school students and WFS faculty/staff attended two concurrent National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) conferences in Denver, Colorado. Brina Abere ‘25, Morgan Kim ‘27, and Jordyn Moore ‘26 attended the Student Diversity Leadership Conference while chaperones Ryan Berry, Erica Childs, Ildiko Miller, and Erin Walker attended the People of Color Conference. These conferences are the flagship of NAIS’s commitment to equity and justice in teaching, learning, and sustainability for independent schools. Students had the opportunity to be a part of a multiracial, multicultural gathering of student leaders from independent high schools across the U.S. and abroad.
As part of the new Lower School Culture Quest program, lower school students have the opportunity to learn more about other cultures. There have been three events this year which celebrated holidays through stories, crafts, and food, including the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah; Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights; and Lunar New Year. More Culture Quests are planned for this spring!
WFS students L-T Alleyne ‘26, Sofía Hasse-Mas ‘25, Charlotte Kass ‘26, and Kayla Turman ‘26 recently attended the Baltimore Student Diversity Leadership Conference (BSDLC) at Sandy Spring Friends School.
BSDLC is a high school diversity and equity leadership training event that is planned by and led by upper school students in grades 9-12 from independent schools in Maryland, Washington, D.C., Virginia, and Delaware. Through keynote speakers, student-planned and -led workshops on pertinent topics, and many opportunities for participants to share their voices, students experience a day of learning, affirmation, and lasting connections.
Middle school students took place in a collection where the topic was internet safety, sponsored by the Beau Biden Foundation. Students heard from Reggie Laster, a retired New Castle County police officer and topics discussed at a middle school appropriate level included bullying/cyberbullying, online gaming, how to be an up-stander, knowing and finding your trusted adults when needed, and understanding your digital footprint.
Performing Arts
Members of the WFS middle school choir visited The Country House to bring holiday cheer to residents.
Check out photos of the Upper School musical Beauty and the Beast on the inside back cover!
This year’s Homecoming half-time show did not disappoint!
The 5th grade choir tour brought the holiday spirit to the Caesar Rodney Rotary Club, Fairville Friends School, and the Brandywine River Museum.
Faculty News
Chris Loeffler ’00 was appointed Head of Lower School in September 2024 after serving as Interim Head of Lower School since July of 2023. His teaching journey at WFS began as a firstgrade associate in 2005, and he quickly evolved to a lead classroom teacher in third grade the following year. Chris moved to be a lead fifth-grade teacher in 2015 and then became Assistant Head of Lower School in 2017.
Organized by middle school Chinese teacher Jianglin Shi, WFS hosted a workshop for 27 teachers this fall for the Chinese Language Teachers Association, gathering kindergarten through college Chinese educators to exchange ideas and experiences on organizing summer study abroad tours and the 2025 study abroad program. They were joined by Ella Zaritsky ‘28, Jinghan Fang ‘28, Maya Dobson ‘28, and Layla Baynes ‘25 who showcased their Chinese proficiency by introducing themselves and interacting with the attendees in Chinese.
Thank you to lower school teacher––and now published author of Liberian Rice Bread Sia Willie who treated families to an event where she shared about her family, Liberian culture, and her creative process. She also read her book aloud before signing copies for her excited fans.
Meaningful Sabbaticals
On professional development day,WFS teachers Karen Horikawa and Katy Kenney presented about their 2024 Copeland Fellowship sabbatical experiences.
Karen, a middle school science teacher who has been at WFS for 25 years, traveled to the Galapagos Islands, England, and Arkansas, studying biodiversity, Quakerism, and family history. In the Galapagos, she visited the Charles Darwin Research station and learned more about the iconic species of the area, including iguanas, sea lions, and more. In England, Karen was able to follow George Fox’s (the founder of Quakerism) footprints and see where he had meetings with historical figures like William Penn. Finally, along with family members, Karen traveled to Jerome Concentration Camp where her family was held during World War II. She remarked on the gift of time given to her by the sabbatical and the opportunity to expand her knowledge in a number of personal and professional areas.
Katy, an upper school English teacher who has also been at WFS for 25 years, spent her sabbatical looking at generation (human-generated thinking and learning) and storytelling. She visited writing centers at several different schools and researched podcasting and digital storytelling, thinking of the lived experience in terms of sounds rather than seeing, reading, and talking. She visited many museums, looking at their curriculums for high school teachers. Lastly, Katy read 83 books (often with her dog, Mouse, keeping her company), and found several new books for our upper school students to explore.
Delaware’s former First Spouse, Tracey Quillen Carney ‘80, visited with PreK and Kindergarten classes to read her newly published book Books for Blue, which is illustrated by WFS alum Emily David Hershman ‘09! The book not only encourages reading but also educates children and all readers to visit their local library, step outside their comfort zones, explore different genres, and discover their passions through reading.
The keynote speaker for the middle school celebration International Day of Peace was Kathy Stevens ’85, the Executive Director of Montgomery Coalition for Adults English Literacy. She talked to students about her current work helping adults learn a new language, the different settings in which we can all learn from one another, and why sharing our learning with one another can be so powerful.
Alumni Visits!
Upper school students visited with Lindsay Rademaker Reinhold ‘94 during a Lunch and Learn hosted by the Service Committee to hear more about the work she does with Canine Partners for Life and how they can become involved with the organization. Students also got to meet Lindsay’s current puppy-in-training, Abby!
IBHL visual art and art major students enjoyed learning from Bruno Yeh ’22 (left) who is enrolled in the School of Architecture at Syracuse University. Bruno spoke with the class about his decision to major in architecture and his most recent experience serving as an intern at KGD Architecture in Washington, D.C. He also gave them an assignment called the “Unrolled Cube Project” focusing on 2D and 3D design work and helped them plan.
Anya Agarwal ’25 Develops Middle School South Asian History Curriculum
Anya Agarwal '25 (pictured left) recently wrote this article for The Whittier Miscellany about the South Asian history curriculum she helped develop that is being implemented in middle school social science classrooms!
As a child, I often listened to my great-grandmother recount the story of her wedding. She described how my great-grandfather boldly lifted the thick veil that hid her face, defying societal norms. These stories connected me deeply to my heritage, but outside of my family, I noticed something was missing. Despite South Asia’s rich history and its global impact, I rarely encountered these narratives in my school curriculum.
With the immense support of Ms. Agne (6th grade social studies teacher, pictured above right), who shared my vision for a more inclusive and diverse education, I worked to co-create a curriculum that brings these stories to life in the classroom. I’m thrilled to announce that, starting in spring 2025, Wilmington Friends School will introduce a dedicated South Asian history unit in middle school Social Studies.
Why is this curriculum needed? Simply put, South Asia plays an increasingly important role in the world today.
“As I started to teach ancient civilizations last year in 6th grade, I began to wonder why the focus was on those particular civilizations over others in the middle and far east and Africa,” says Ms. Agne. “I came to realize that while this study is important, ancient South Asian civilization has also had significant influences on us today in science, medicine, and religion, to name a few areas, and I think it’s important to recognize this influence equally with the other civilizations we study.”
Home to nearly 2 billion people, South Asia is a region of immense cultural diversity, growing economic power, and significant political influence. From India’s booming tech industry to its space exploration achievements, this region is shaping the global future in many ways.
The curriculum I developed with Ms. Agne highlights the significant contributions of South Asia to our world. India was once called the “Golden Bird” due to its wealth and prosperity before British rule. The game of chess, which many of us enjoy, originated in India over 1,500 years ago. The rise of veganism is linked to the traditional Indian diet and the number zero was invented in India. South Asians played a pivotal role in the global struggle for independence, with leaders like Gandhi inspiring figures from Martin Luther King Jr. in the United States to Nelson Mandela in South Africa.
While developing this curriculum, we faced many challenges along the way.
“The biggest challenge was that the time period was so long and the civilization went through several phases with lots of interesting information,” says Ms. Agne. “It’s also important to give students a variety of different types of instruction and ways to demonstrate learning, so we had to develop assignments that went beyond merely reading, writing and watching videos, like making posters about the teachings of the major religions and learning some Sanskrit through doing yoga.”
Despite these challenges, our goal was to create an engaging and immersive experience for students, sparking curiosity and a deeper understanding of South Asian history. We hope this approach will help students connect more personally with the material and appreciate its significance.
“I think it fits with our school’s diversity goals to bring other non-western perspectives into our learning,” says Ms. Agne. “In high school, students take world religions, and the middle school can more closely align with the high school curriculum by giving students exposure to religions that originated in South Asia earlier in their academic journey.”
At Friends, we are always striving to make the community a more diverse space. By integrating these perspectives into our education, we hope to empower students to become more informed and empathetic individuals.
Prototyping the Future: WFS Community Design Day
We were so excited to host alumni, parents, faculty, staff, trustees, parents of alumni, and friends at our strategic planning Community Design Day! This event was an integral part of the yearlong development of the School’s five-year strategic plan.
Led by Shu Shu Costa of Leadership + Design, participants worked together to design prototypes that addressed one of the areas of inquiry identified by earlier research. Their ideas have been a valuable part of developing the final plan, which will be rolled out this spring. Thanks to everyone who participated!
Fall Sports Recap
Cross Country | The WFS cross country team had a terrific season, competing against some of the top programs across the State of Delaware. The highlight of the season came at the DIAA Division II State Championship meet, where the girls’ team placed 9th while the boys’ team finished in 12th place. Zoë Mooney-Doyle ’27 broke the girls’ school record, clocking in with a time of 19:49.30. She received 2nd Team All-State, All-County, and All-DISC honors for her outstanding season.
Field Hockey | For the first time in 38 years, the WFS field hockey team advanced to the State Championship game, where they fell to Delmar HS, 4-3. The 2024 DISC Champions had an incredible season, undefeated in conference play, going 15-2-1 and scoring 79 goals, the most in team history. They also recorded nine shutouts, only allowed 15 goals, and became the 1st team to have four players score at least ten or more goals. Sawyer Rowland ’25 (1st Team), Sara Clothier ’26 (1st Team), and Molly Dolan ’26 (2nd Team) all earned All-State and 1st Team All-DISC honors. The following members of the team also earned All-DISC honors: Ella Morton ’25 (1st Team), Ella Fontanazza ’26 (1st Team), Gianna Cottone ’26 (2nd Team), Cora Lohkamp ’26 (2nd Team), Lila Rubano ’26 (2nd Team), Sydney Jenkins ’27 (2nd Team), Keeley Galbraith ’27 (Honorable Mention), and Sylvia Green ’27 (Honorable Mention).
Stats provided by Charlie Donaghy ’95.
Football | Competing against some of the toughest competition the State has to offer, the WFS football team went 5-5 this fall. Their most memorable game of the season came against Tower Hill, where the Quakers shut out the Hillers 10-0 and took a two-game lead in the all-time series. Ryan Tattersall ’25 (1st Team QB/DB) and Kato Connor ’25 (1st Team K) earned All-Class 2A honors and 1st Team All-District honors. Tattersall was also named District Offensive Player of the year. The following members of the team also earned All-District honors: Cooper Strauss ’26 (1st Team LB), Connor (2nd Team P), Antonios Tangalidis ’25 (2nd Team OL/DE), Stone Davis ’26 (2nd Team TE), Joseph Coppola ’26
2024
(2nd Team OL), Ronny Berry ’27 (2nd Team LB), Braeden Pantano ’25 (Honorable Mention OL), Logan Scott ’25 (Honorable Mention DL).
Soccer | The WFS boys’ soccer team, competing against eight teams that qualified for the DIAA State Tournament, won three games this fall. The Quakers, who defeated two State Tournament qualifying teams and tied another, held their opponents to one or fewer goals seven times. Kato Connor ’25 earned 1st Team AllState and All-DISC honors. The following members of the team also earned All-DISC honors: Nate Bell ’26 (1st Team), Ethan Lukach ’26 (1st Team), Ujay Bhuva ’25 (2nd Team), Connor Terribile ’25 (2nd Team), Henry Winn ’26 (Honorable Mention), and Andres Quesada ’27 (Honorable Mention).
Volleyball | The WFS volleyball team continued to prove itself as one of the top programs in the State of Delaware, winning nine games and advancing to the DIAA State Tournament. The Quakers went 6-2 in conference play and prevented their opponents from winning a single set in six victories. The following members of the team earned All-DISC honors: Scarlett Burleigh ’25 (1st Team), Leyla Medford ’26 (1st Team), Temi Lufadeju ’25 (2nd Team), Pam Moore ’27 (2nd Team), Lilly Zawadzkas ’25 (Honorable Mention), and Olivia Agne ’27 (Honorable Mention).
Fall
Signing Day
Congratulations to Evie Rademaker ’25 on signing her National Letter of Intent to continue her lacrosse career at Wilmington University! Evie is pictured with Amy Rademaker, Darcy Rademaker (WFS Trustee), and Reid Rademaker ’90. We will recognize all student-athletes who plan to compete in the Ivy League and at the Division II and Division III levels in April.
Class Notes
Class of 1957
Pete Shields, Caroline Schwartz Sutton, Jacquie Bostick Coyle, and Tom Baker enjoyed connecting with one another at their reunion lunch.
Class of 1958
at Vanderbilt. The explanation for the cover having a picture of Van Gogh’s bridge with a load of hay on it is given in the Prologue. If any classmates or other alumni would like to have a copy of his work, please email Andy at bahessjr@aol. com.
Classes of 1962, 1964 & 1968
Harriet Dann ’64, Ned Davis ’62, Mary Lindsay Dann Hanson ’68, Rich Weigel ’62, and John Dann ’62 all gathered at their family cottage in Muskoka, Ontario.
Leslie Davis Guccione ’65, the 2024 Distinguished Alumna Award winner, enjoyed connecting with Convers Wyeth, III ’63 and Philip Strange ’64 on the Saturday of Homecoming.
Class of 1980
Andy Hess published his autobiography, titled “My Way.” This autobiography has 180 pages and over 200 illustrations and photographs. Andy retired from Vanderbilt as a chemistry professor in 2020 after 52 years, though he continues working as a Research Professor
Tracey Quillen Carney (pictured middle with Governor John Carney and Valerie Biden Owens) was the 2024 recipient
of the Valerie Biden Owens Woman of Power and Purpose Award presented by the Biden Institute in the Joseph R. Biden, Jr. School of Public Policy and Administration at the University of Delaware.
Class of 1985
Suzy Preston, Martha Poorman Tschantz, Jay Tschantz, and Wynn Hohlt on the golf course in Fishers Island, New York.
Class of 1999
Matt Titone continues to be the Principal at Italic-studio.com (ITAL/C) and Indoek. His design studio, ITAL/C is in its 13th year. ITAL/C and their sister brand, Indoek, recently opened an art gallery and storefront in Ventura, California, which has been an exciting new venture.
Class of 2002
Zach Williams, who recently published his book titled “Beautiful Days,” made former President Barack Obama’s annual Summer Reading List.
Class of 2006
Willie Kalema joined WFS Archivist and former WFS faculty member Terry Maguire for coffee at Brew HaHa! Willie is an Associate at Cohen & Gresser LLP in New York City, New York.
Class of 2007
Over the past decade, Philip Montigney has served as a Wine Associate, Manager, and he currently works as the CFO and Director of Operations for the Moore Brothers Wine Company in Delaware. In addition to being in charge of inventory and staffing, Philip spends much of his time interacting with customers and passing along his wine education to them. He notes, “I work alongside an incredibly passionate team, and we have the privilege of representing small farm winemakers who have mastered their craft across France, Italy, Germany, Spain, California, and more. Getting to meet the farmers that we work with is always a pleasure, and then getting to reciprocate by introducing our customers to their wines is an absolute joy.”
Class of 2011
Megan Galardi recently opened an art gallery in Philadelphia called BlahBlah Gallery. It is located at 907 Christian St., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She attended WFS from Kindergarten through 12th grade, and teachers Teal Rickerman and Cynthia Stan Mellow influenced her as an art student. Megan graduated from Bryn Mawr with a degree in city planning, growth, and structure of cities.
Class of 2013
Ben Hanson married Abby Campbell on September 1. Many WFS alumni and community members were in attendance including Jack Hanson ’18, Spencer Hall ’15, Jack Hall, Jimmy Carney ’15, Sean Kirkpatrick, Michael Galardi, Sam Carney, Annie Procaccini Carney, Chris Palmer, Jeff Davis, Will Maguire, Luke Magness, Michael Orth, Dwyer Tschantz, and WFS teacher John Hanson
Dwyer Tschantz married Erin O’Connor on September 14 in Elk Lake, Michigan. The two met at Cornell University where they both played Ice Hockey. The following WFS alumni and community members were in attendance: Jeff Poorman ’76, Alexandra Ergon ’77, Martha Tschantz ’85, Porter Ergon ’12, Sam Carney, Annie Procaccini Carney, Max Davis, Michael Galardi, Sean Kirkpatrick, Will Maguire, Michael Orth, Chris Palmer, Joelle Napoletano Palmer, Margo Tschantz ’15, Mason Tschantz ’19, Elliott Ergon, and Brad Poorman.
Natalie Wenigmann attended the Pacific Community’s 54th annual Committee of Representatives of Governments and Administrations in Papeete, French Polynesia. The gathering was an incredible opportunity for the 27 members to reflect on yearly achievements and make decisions on critical issues facing the Pacific region.
Class of 2012
Patrick Schlecker married Carrie Oravec on September 14. Graham Grochowski, Michael Armstrong, Matthew Lankiewicz, and Caroline McDonough were all in attendance.
Class of 2016
Miles Katzen earned his Master of Science degree from Villanova University in Education/School Counseling and Guidance Services. He currently works at The Haverford School, serving as a Health and Wellness teacher, coach, and advisor.
Class of 2018
John Blackwell attends Northeastern University’s Bouvé College of Health Sciences and is enrolled in their MS/CAGS School Psychology Program. He also serves as a Graduate Assistant in the Honors College at Northeastern University. He notes, “What I like most about working for the Honors Program at Northeastern is pushing students to explore more about the role they play in the communities they reside in. Through the course I was able to instruct this past semester, we discussed a lot of important topics, such as Asset-Based Community Development local engagement, which culminated in their final project in which they were tasked with identifying an area where they could apply their interests to make an impact in both a global and local context. Through this I was able to get to know a little bit more about the Northeastern University community, where I am also a student, and also about Boston as a whole, where I’ve spent the last 2+ years living.”
Abby Kleman (right), an Account Executive at Cashman & Associates, was recently recognized by PRSA Philly for their work on the Philadelphia Visitor Center Corporation’s inaugural Philly Opener. Kleman led the PR efforts for this event, which kicked off National Travel and Tourism Week and honored Philadelphia Eagles’ Brandon Graham as the Most Valuable Philadelphian.
Classes of 1991, 2018, and 2023
Shannon Tattersall, Jason Saville ’18, Tony Bennett ’18, Robert Tattersall, Jr. ’91, and Ryan Tattersall ’25 connected at the Yale vs. Harvard football game where they were cheering on fellow WFS alum Robby Tattersall ’23, a sophomore tight end for Yale. Jason, who earned his BS in Chemistry from Villanova University in 2022, is a third-year law student at Brooklyn Law School. He is a Staff Member for the Brooklyn Journal of International Law, a member of the Moot Court Honor Society, and a Phi Delta Phi Legal Honor Society member. This past summer, he served as a Summer Associate Law Clerk for Morris James LLP. Tony, who earned his BA in Human Evolution-
ary Biology from Harvard University in 2022, is a first-year medical student at Harvard. Before medical school, he was an Associate Consultant at Bain & Company for two years.
Class of 2019
Carson Davis-Tinnell (far left) attended Advertising Week New York 2024 and moderated a panel discussion. She notes, “Advertising Week New York 2024 was an unforgettable experience, as it marked my debut as a panel moderator. Sharing the stage with industry powerhouses like Michael Vito Valentino from NowThis, Janina Santillan from Adore Me, and Josh Glodoveza from Panel was both inspiring and humbling. The energy, insights, and dynamic conversation reinforced why I love being part of this industry—it’s all about innovation, collaboration, and pushing boundaries.” Davis-Tinnell currently works as a Communication Strategist at POV Agency.
Grant Shepherd, Mason Tschantz, Tristan Pantano, Liam Harron, Timmer Farley, Mac Clark, and Sully Connors traveled to MetLife Stadium in October to watch the Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants.
Andrés Pardo, a Radio/Television/Film Student at Northwestern University, is a member of The Deep End, a comedy and journalism program that takes an in-depth look at serious issues on Northwestern’s campus. He is also the CoFounder of “The Green Room,” a filmed comedy podcast featuring commentary, interviews, and engaging segments on diverse topics.
Class of 2023
Carter Ross cheered on classmate Jocelyn Nathan when Penn State traveled to Northwestern University for a Big Ten Conference matchup. Carter, a U.S. Presidential Scholar, is studying mechanical engineering at Northwestern. When he isn’t in the classroom, you can find him performing on the dance floor for two different groups at Northwestern; Ross is a member of the choreography and freestyle dance team called Refresh Dance Crew.
Class of 2024
Pablo Charriez served as a Campaign Intern for Delaware Governor Matt Meyer ’90. Pablo conducted donor research, wrote introductions for notable guests at events, and canvassed around Delaware interacting with voters.
WFS College Guidance Visits with Alumni in Los Angeles
Director of College Guidance
Kathleen Martin and Associate Director of College Guidance
Rose Gnade connected with WFS alumni while visiting multiple colleges and universities on the West Coast.
From the top: Kathleen and Rose with Caroline Vanderloo ’22 at Occidental College; Kathleen and Reid Schmidt ’08; Kathleen and Katie McEnroe ’07.
Alumni Athlete Notes
Manny Adebi ’20 is a graduate student at Vanderbilt University, pursuing his Master’s degree in Engineering Management. The Cornell University graduate is also a member of the Commodores football team, helping them defeat #11 Alabama in October. Reflecting on his experience outside of the classroom at WFS, Adebi noted, “My time in athletics also taught me valuable lessons that couldn’t be learned in the classroom. Being on the field or court helped me become a better, more direct communicator. Additionally, my involvement in clubs like robotics allowed me to engage with different communities and focus on projects that were outside the traditional academic or athletic setting.”
Osi Chukwuocha ’22 earned 2nd Team All-Conference honors for his outstanding play at cornerback this season for Case Western Reserve University. The Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering major started all ten games for the Spartans, recorded 37 tackles, and intercepted two passes. Osi recently accepted an internship at the NASA Glenn Research Center for the upcoming spring and summer. During his internship, he will support NASA’s Zero Boil-Off Tank (ZBOT) experiments and research two-phase flow in microgravity environments.
Margo Gramiak ’22 joined the Vassar College field hockey team this fall. She started 12 games and was named to the 2024 Liberty League All-Academic Team. Gramiak, who majors in Biology, will compete on the women’s basketball team this winter for the third consecutive year.
Reena Robinson ’22 earned Academic All-District Honors for her outstanding work in the classroom and on the volleyball court. Robinson was also named the Bear Award Player of the Year, given to the volleyball player who best demonstrates the true spirit of Ursinus College volleyball.
Alessio Cristanetti-Walker ’23 earned Honorable Mention All-Conference and 4th Team All-Region honors for the Rochester University men’s soccer team this fall. He appeared in all 17 games, made 15 starts, and scored four goals for the 9-4-4 Yellowjackets.
Peri Mulveny ’23 was named to the Centennial Conference Academic Honor Roll for her outstanding work in the classroom at Bryn Mawr College. A goalkeeper on the field hockey team, Mulveny helped the Owls earn their first NCAA appearance and tournament win in program history.
Jocelyn Nathan ’23 helped the Penn State women’s volleyball team win the 2024 National Championship! The defensive specialist recorded a career-high ten digs in their 3-1 win over the University of Louisville. She has also made the dean’s list every year she’s been at PSU. (Jocelyn is pictured with family, Len Nathan: WFS Alumni/ Development Team Member Lynne Nathan, Alyssa Nathan ’17, and Dani Nathan ’19.)
Madeline Rowland ’23 helped lead the Williams field hockey team to the Division III National Semifinals this fall. She played in all 20 contests, starting ten games and accumulating 12 points (five goals, two assists).This past summer, Rowland served as a Research Analyst for MehtaCognition. In her role, she led research and quantitative (primary and secondary) and qualitative data analysis through customer segmentation comparisons, competitive profiles, and market sizing and growth analyses. Rowland was responsible for translating the findings from her research into actionable implications to improve clients’ core businesses.
Alumni Coaching at WFS
Thank you to all of our alumni who are helping coach the next generation of WFS student-athletes in their respective sports: Bill Harman ’69 (football), Steve Quimby ’86 (baseball), Michael Coleman ’88 (football, basketball, and lacrosse), Rob Tattersall, Jr. ’91 (football), Meghan Baczkowski Pixley ’03 (volleyball), Erica Brown ’12 (basketball), Beth Hill ’12 (basketball and soccer), Ryan Broussard ’13 (basketball), Ian Furman ’15 (wrestling), Jordan Carter ’17 (cross country), Jordan Perkins ’17 (basketball), Jack Coons ’18 (swimming), Alex Patterson ’18 (soccer), Dani Nathan ’19 (volleyball), Kyle Opderbeck ’19 (football), and Nat Bush ’22 (volleyball).
Manny Adebi ’20
Osi Chukwuocha ’22
Peri Mulveny ’23
Alessio Cristanetti-Walker ’23
Jocelyn Nathan ’23 & Family
Madeline Rowland’23
In Memory
Any time a member of the Wilmington Friends School community passes away, we feel great sadness by the loss. But reflecting on their lives and contributions to the greater good helps us cope and remember the many good things about them.
Please visit our website at wilmingtonfriends.org/alumni/in-memory or use the QR code below to read about these wonderful members of the WFS community. We are now sharing full obituaries online instead of the printed magazine so we can be sure to include all of the information.
If you would like to let us know a friend or family member in our community has passed away, please email Lynne Nathan at lnathan@wilmingtonfriends.org.
Faculty: Philip Eastman Fitzpatrick
Class of 1941: Elizabeth “Betsy” [Callahan] Carter
Class of 1950: Clara “Claire” [Showell] Murray
Class of 1951: Peter Duus
Class of 1951: Yvonne [Webb] Wahlers
Class of 1952: The Hon. Walter K. Stapleton
Class of 1953: Richard “Dick” S. Roberts, Jr.
Class of 1954: Anne [Jackson] Barnhill
Class of 1956: Meryl [Richardson] Nolan
Class of 1958: Elizabeth “Penny” [Griffith] Smith
Class of 1959: Philip J. Knapp
Class of 1965: William “Bill” R. DeGraw, Jr.
Class of 1966: Kay E. [Morris] DeGraw
Class of 1977: Alexandra [Poorman] Ergon
Class of 1984: David Wayne Lemons
Class of 1984: David Brennan Youmans
Class of 1993: Vincent “Vinnie” Wemlinger III
Class of 1994: Owen Grenfell
Class of 2007: Kyle F. Malone
Beauty and the Beast
Congratulations to the cast and crew of this year's phenomenal musical performance, Disney's Beauty and the Beast!
101 School Road
Wilmington, DE 19803
www.wilmingtonfriends.org
Congratulations to Matt Meyer ’90, Governor of Delaware!
Mand ’87, Governor Matt Meyer ’90, Ken Aldridge, Mitchell Young ’90, and Aundrea Almond ’90 at the Governor’s Inaugural Ball.
